Your guide to Florida's outdoors, by Sandra Friend, Florida's hiking expert, and her co-author John Keatley, covering the Florida Trail and other trails throughout Florida.

Kendall Indian Hammocks Park

Kendall [25.695383,-80.373817] 0.7 miles

In the leafy glade of Kendall Indian Hammocks

At Kendall Indian Hammocks Park, wind your way through one of urban Miami’s last stands of natural forest, a hardwood hammock known as the Snapper Creek Glade. Were it not for the sounds of civilization intruding, you’d feel lost in the midst of a large tropical hammock, with wild coffee rising over your head, and willow bustic and mastic creating a dense canopy.

Directions

From Florida’s Turnpike, take the North Kendall Dr exit (SW 88th St) and drive east to SW 107th Ave. Turn left (north) and continue 0.4 mile to park entrance on left. The Nature Trail begins at the “Nature Trail” sign near the west end of the first parking lot on the left. Park address: 11395 SW 79 Street, Miami, FL

Hike

A network of trails runs through the hammock; follow the numbered posts for the main loop. This trail is a true oasis in the urban mass: enjoy the wild jungle-like atmosphere, with scattered chunks of oolitic limestone rising from the forest floor; feel like a kid again when you climb over and under fallen trees.